School minibus driver (Ealing) at ECT Charity in London, England, GB

(1) About ECT

• Ealing Community Transport (ECT) has been providing safe, accessible and affordable community transport for communities since 1979. Our instantly recognisable green minibuses can be spotted throughout Ealing!
• ECT is also dedicated to supporting and enabling independent living, reducing isolation and encouraging social interaction, especially for vulnerable people (such as older or disabled people or those with mobility difficulties who struggle to leave their homes). We also provide group transport to local voluntary, community and social groups.
• ECT is part of ECT Charity, a nationally-recognised social enterprise that creates social value through its charitable activities.
• ECT is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome all applicants and are happy to make reasonable adjustments during the selection process (and if a position is offered, in employment) if required.
• ECT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and any vulnerable person using our services. In order to meet this responsibility, we follow safer recruitment practices which are outlined in further detail in our Safeguarding Adults at Risk and Protecting People Policy.

(2) Summary of Role

• Our School Minibus Drivers provide home-to-school transport for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
• Our drivers act with the utmost level of professionalism, care and compassion to ensure that passengers have a safe and enjoyable journey.
• Drivers also undertake routine administration tasks (e.g. recording mileage, cancellations etc.) and are provided with full training on the technical skills required. Further detail on School Minibus Drivers’ key tasks are provided below.

(3) Key Tasks

• Collect passengers from home address or other specified pick up point and transport them safely to their destination.
• Provide a door-to-door service and assist passengers to and from the minibus.
• Ensure the passenger is safely at their destination (depending on passenger, this may include checking others are present, and/or confirming return arrangements).
• Prior to driving, ensure all passengers are safe and secure in the vehicle and that safety requirements are complied with (e.g. seatbelts or wheelchair restraints). Where appropriate, this will involve working with a Passenger Assistant, whose focus is on the behaviour and safety of the passengers.
• Conduct vehicle defect checks and record appropriately.
• Complete required paperwork with regard to passenger lists, mileage records etc. including feedback.
• Read emails, safety notices, updates, etc. provided to keep all staff up-to-date.
• Attend and contribute at team meetings.
• Undertake all other reasonable duties as delegated to them by the operations team.

(4) Requirements for Role

4.1 All drivers must:

• hold a full UK driving licence, including D1 or D1 101 category (please note that we cannot accept drivers with more than 6 penalty points or with previous drink driving convictions);
• be over 21 years old;
• have extensive driving experience (as part of a previous role or otherwise) and the ability to plan routes;
• be committed to high levels of customer care and be caring and sympathetic;
• be able to get on with people from all backgrounds (e.g. people from all ethnic and religious groups, people of both sexes, people with disabilities) politely and sensitively;
• be reliable, conscientious and punctual;
• be physically capable of undertaking manual handling activities (e.g. assisting wheelchair users);
• have their own mobile phone and ability to access to email on a daily basis;
• be able to read, understand and follow written instructions;
• have excellent verbal communication skills;
• be able to accurately record basic information (e.g. mileage records and fares collected); and
• be smart and presentable.

4.2 Whilst it is not required, it is desirable if drivers have:

• familiarity with local area; and/or
• flexibility with regard to shift patterns.

4.3 We welcome applicants with no previous experience in similar roles as full training will be provided.

(5) Details of Role and Employment Particulars

This paragraph 5 provides a brief guide on the terms of engagement. If we decide to proceed with your application, you will be issued with full particulars of engagement.

5.1 Hours

School Minibus Drivers work on an ‘as and when required’ basis and provide a valuable service to the organisation. Engagement is as a casual worker and your services are used on an ad hoc and casual basis. ECT will use your services by mutual agreement when work is available and you have accepted. Typically, School Minibus Drivers:

• work split-shifts (i.e. the shift is comprised of two or more separate periods of duty in a day) as required by ECT’s contract with the client (‘Contract’);
• must be available between the approximate time periods of 7am – 9.45am and 2.30pm – 4.45pm (these estimates are based on the two daily journeys taking approximately 4 hours each, but this may vary depending on the Contract);
• work during school-term-time only as governed by the Contract;
• are required to work with a degree of flexibility which may include starting earlier or finishing later for operational or traffic reasons; and
• occasionally are offered work outside the above shifts on other Contracts or transport services.

5.2 Location

School Minibus Drivers shall operate out of ECT’s Greenford Depot which is located at Greenford Road, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 9AN.

5.3 Pay

School Minibus Drivers will be paid £14.80 per hour or prevailing (statutory or other) rates, plus holiday pay (as accrued).

5.4 Trial period

There is a trial period of six months, after which there will be a review.

5.5 Sick pay

For eligible workers, ECT operates the Statutory Sick Pay Scheme during periods of properly certified sickness absence. 

5.6 Holidays

You will be entitled to 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday. This will be paid at your average weekly rate over the previous 52 weeks.

5.7 Training

Drivers undertake the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS) which includes Accessible Training (covering procedures such as safe carriage of wheelchair users and disability awareness). All drivers will also receive full induction training, including Safeguarding and Health & Safety, to enable them to fully comply with relevant legislation and ECT’s policies and procedures.

5.8 Uniform

Drivers must wear ECT’s distinctive but informal uniform of polo shirt and green fleece as well as ID at all times. High visibility vests and other Personal Protective Equipment will be issued as appropriate and must be worn. Drivers are expected to look smart and presentable at all times.

5.9 Criminal Record Disclosure

• ECT is committed to a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk of abuse. Our safer recruitment practices support this to ensure that all persons appointed to driving roles are suitable to work with children and adults at risk of abuse.
• This post is exempted from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 thus applicants are required to disclose all and any past or pending cautions or convictions (whether spent or otherwise) unless it is either a “protected caution” or a “protected conviction” under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. There will be an opportunity to provide this information on the application form.
• Please note that:
  • all information provided about criminal cautions, convictions and offences will be kept in the strictest confidence and only used for the purpose of assessing your suitability for the post you have applied for; and
  • a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining employment. This is in accordance with Government guidelines, the DBS Code of Practice and ECT’s Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy.
• Successful applicants are required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (ECT will cover this cost).
• ECT follows government guidelines, the DBS Code of Practice and ECT’s Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy with respect to the above. Further advice and guidance on disclosing criminal records can be obtained from Nacro’s Criminal Record Support Service.

(6) Guidance on Application Process

6.1. How do I apply?

• Please fill out the online Application Form by clicking the green "Apply for This Job" button (top right).

6.2. When is the closing date?

• We will be considering applications on a rolling basis. The sooner you apply, the sooner your application will be considered.

6.3. What advice do you have for completing the Application Form?

• ECT has a strong ethos with values that resonate with our staff and communities. ECT is very special – so we need you to show us why you’re special! The Application Form is your chance to prove why you should be invited to an interview.
• We recognise that some people are better at filling forms than others – some excellent drivers may be less confident with paperwork. We will bear all this in mind, but you need to give us something to think about (e.g. examples of what you have done in previous roles, details about voluntary work you do in the community).
• If you are not able to complete the form online, please contact ealing@ectcharity.co.uk to request a printable version.

6.4 Will I be interviewed?

• After we receive your completed Application Form, we will contact you to confirm whether or not you have been selected for interview.

6.5 How do you handle my personal data

• ECT will process the personal data that you have supplied on the Application Form in accordance with the Privacy Notice for job applicants available by clicking here.
• It is important to note that ECT will only process your personal data where it has a lawful basis for such processing.